The UK’s biggest energy supplier, Octopus Energy, has announced that it will extend its Octo Assist scheme to include discretionary payments to low-income pensioners who will no longer receive Winter Fuel Payments.
While energy bills have come down significantly from their peak after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, they are still £500 higher than in 2021 for the average UK household. The payment of £300 had previously been made automatically to all people over the state pension age, but the UK Government recently announced it would be restricted to those on means-tested benefits. Those affected can apply in writing, over the phone and online to Octopus for a discretionary credit of £50-200, as well as receive help obtaining any benefits they may be entitled to.
Octopus Energy Group founder Greg Jackson said:
“At times like this, we can’t expect the government to do everything—companies need to work hard on affordability too. That’s why we’ve expanded our Octo Assist fund to introduce extra support for the pensioners who need it most. There’s a lot of government and other support for pensioners…”
He added, however, that many people don’t know about this, so he said the Octopus team was being trained to help the estimated third of pensioners who are not claiming pension credit despite being eligible.
Replacing an old inefficient boiler with a modern condensing boiler is another way to reduce energy bills, and Xgas can perform a boiler installation in Chester and other nearby locations. Get in touch to learn more.